Most tradespeople know they "should" have a website… it is one of the key marketing pillars from our MAGIC8 list found in THE VAN PLAN.
But the moment you sit down to plan one, the whole thing feels overwhelming.
You're not trying to become Amazon.
You just want something simple, trustworthy, and effective - a website that clearly communicates what you do, that helps local customers feel confident calling you.
Good news: that's exactly what a great trades website does.
As we refer to in THE VAN PLAN, the best-performing websites for trades don't have to be over-complicated, no clutter, no jargon, no 20-page navigation!
Just a clean 1-page trade website that answers three things every customer wants to know:
- Can you help me?
- Can I trust you?
- How do I contact you?
If your website can do that clearly, quickly and without hassle you'll win more enquiries, especially when combined with strong van signage and your other MAGIC8 marketing foundations.
Here's what that simple, powerful 1-Page Trade Website should include.
1. Start With a Clear Headline: What You Do + Where You Work
Forget clever slogans.
Forget long introductions.
Your visitor wants clarity, fast.
A strong headline looks like:
Plumbing & Heating in Haywards Heath
Boilers · Bathrooms · Repairs · Emergency Callouts
This matches how THE VAN PLAN teaches trades to communicate online.
And builds trust immediately.
Why it works:
People search locally and want reassurance they're in the right place.
Clear location + clear service = instant relevance.
2. Show Real Photos on your 1-Page Trade Website - No Stock Images, Ever
Stock images scream "template website".
And instantly reduce trust.
On your 1-page trade website your future customer wants to see:
- ✔ Real pictures of you
- ✔ Real jobs you've done
- ✔ A few before/after shots
- ✔ Maybe your signwritten van ;)
In THE VAN PLAN, we describe this as "proof, not polish." Customers respond to authenticity.
💡 Tip:
If you've just had your van wrapped by us, include those photos - they perform brilliantly on websites and social media straight away delivering credibility that you are a serious business.
3. Add 2-3 Google Reviews With Names & Towns
Your 1-page trade website doesn't need a long scrolling list of reviews.
Just two or three genuine ones from your Google Business Profile:
- ✔ Use real names
- ✔ Mention the town
- ✔ Include a short sentence
- ✔ Include a photo of the job if possible
From THE VAN PLAN: Customers don't need polished testimonials.
They trust short, real reviews far more.
Why this matters:
Reviews are one of the biggest conversion boosters for local trades.
4. Make Your Contact Details Impossible to Miss
This is where many trade websites fall apart.
Your phone number should be:
- ✔ Big
- ✔ Local landline… 01273, 01444, 01903 etc.
- ✔ Repeated high and low on the page
THE VAN PLAN stresses this point clearly: a local landline number looks more professional.
And reassures homeowners you're a legitimate, established business.
Also include:
- ● A simple contact form (name, postcode, job type, message)
- ● A "Call Now" button that dials on mobile
- ● A professional domain email (e.g., roger@rogerselectrics.co.uk)
If your contact details look professional, you look professional.
5. Explain What You Do - Simply With a Short Service List
Avoid long paragraphs.
Your service section should be clean and scannable:
Services We Offer:
- Boiler installations
- Bathroom refits
- Heating repairs
- Emergency callouts
THE VAN PLAN repeatedly emphasises clarity.
Customers want to confirm you do their exact job before calling.
6. Add a Short "About Me" Section With a Photo
This is where your 1-page trade website can introduce you as a team of people (even if you are a sole trader).
Present the human side of the business.
It's people, people like to buy from people, and when letting people into their homes, people that they trust.
Just one paragraph is enough:
"Hi, I'm Roger. I've been an electrician in Mid Sussex for 12 years. I pride myself on reliable work, clear communication, and leaving every job tidy."
This aligns with THE VAN PLAN principle that people hire people, not faceless companies.
7. Keep the Whole Page Clean, Simple, and Easy to Navigate
Your customers are not tech experts.
They're scanning on their phone, usually with a problem they want solved quickly.
A good trades website has:
- ✔ One page
- ✔ Fast loading
- ✔ Big buttons
- ✔ A short menu or no menu at all
- ✔ Zero jargon
In THE VAN PLAN we say:
"A simple, clear site reassures customers and drives enquiries."
And it's true - a clean site makes you look organised, confident, and trustworthy.
How This 1-Page Website Works With Your Van Wrap
Your van wrap gets attention.
Your website converts that attention into enquiries.
The flow looks like this:
Van spotted → Google search → Website → Read & Research → Phone call / Form
When all of this is aligned - van, website, phone number, reviews - you look like the business customers want to hire.
Or the flow might be:
Google search → Website → Read & Research → Van spotted → Phone call / Form
This is exactly why THE VAN PLAN was created.
To make sure every part of your marketing supports the next.
💡 Tip:
You'll hopefully notice the similarity between the content for a great 1-page trade website and the content that we recommend you include in your Van Wrap design. Simple - clear - repeated messaging - with the same look & feel - that is your brand.